In Star Valley, December doesn’t just bring holidays and snow. Our dark skies and early sunsets mean prime stargazing conditions when the weather is right. This month, see the Geminids meteor shower, the approach of a rare interstellar comet if you’re lucky, and various planets! Plus, see if you can find this month’s featured constellations in the night sky. Be sure to check the weather and dress accordingly if you decide to check out the stars.
A Spectacular Meteor Shower
Unlike most meteor showers that are caused by Earth passing through the debris of comets, the Geminids come from a rocky asteroid called 3200 Phaethon. Scientists think this debris trail was left when Phaethon collided with another cosmic object. Every December, when Earth reaches this point in its orbit, we pass through the debris field and tiny particles enter our atmosphere and ignite, streaking across the sky as meteors.
Timeline: December 4th through December 20th – around 10:30PM
Viewing Tips: The best time to see the maximum number of meteors will be between 10:00 PM 2:00 AM on December 13th and 4th. Check a weather app like KSL or Astrospheric to see the cloud cover forecast to get the most accurate prediction before you head outside! Be sure to bring warm clothes, blankets, and maybe hot cocoa whether you’re watching from your yard or driving to a dark spot away from town.
Where to See in the Sky:
To get the best look at the meteors, look at the constellation Gemini in the eastern sky above the mountains. To find it, spot the brightest object in the sky, Jupiter. It will be right next to Gemini. Or, install an app like SkyMap or StarWalk to guide your eyes to the right place. Once you find the right spot, limit any lights around you and let your eyes adjust to the dark for about fifteen minutes.
An Interstellar Comet
This year, a mysterious comet from beyond our solar system visited: a comet called 3I/ATLAS. This comet is one of only three confirmed interstellar objects to ever visit the solar system. Traveling at speeds of over 100,000 miles per hour, the comet will never return once it leaves.
Timeline: On December 19th, ATLAS will make its closest approach to Earth – 170 million miles away.
Viewing Tips: Unfortunately, it can’t be seen with the naked eye. Those wishing to view it will need a telescope with an aperture of at least 30 millimeters. ATLAS will appear in the predawn morning right under the star Regulus in the northeast sky.
This Month’s Planets
In December, Mercury, Jupiter , and Saturn should be visible with the naked eye throughout the month. For an even better view, try to spot them with a telescope!
Mercury: From December 9th to December 21st, Mercury will be visible in the early morning before the sunrise. An app like SkyMap is recommended for locating the planet. Note: In some locations across the valley, Mercury may not be visible due to the mountains.
Jupiter: This will be the easiest planet to spot. Throughout the month, Jupiter can be seen rising in the northeast about three hours after sundown. It should be visible on clear nights starting around 10:30. You won’t need an app to spot it, as it will be the brightest point in the eastern sky each night.
Saturn: Saturn will be visible each night in the southern sky as soon as the sun sets. It’s dimmer than Jupiter, so using an app to locate it is recommended. It will be setting around 1AM on December 8th, and will set earlier each night. By the 31st, it will set around 11PM.
Constellation Corner
Use a sky-watching app, like SkyMap, Stellarium, or StarWalk to find these constellations in the night sky!
Orion: Orion, the hunter, is one of the most recognizable constellations of the winter sky, appearing in the eastern sky around 10:00-10:30PM. Within the constellation lies the Orion Nebula, the closest star forming region to Earth!
Andromeda: Andromeda, a princess in Greek mythology, shines overhead and to the west on winter nights. The Andromeda Galaxy, the closest galaxy to our Milky Way, lies within the constellation.
Taurus: Taurus, the bull, is visible above the eastern horizon once the sky is dark. Taurus contains the Pleiades star cluster, which can be spotted as a little group of stars often called the “Seven Sisters”.
All of these constellations and more will be visible throughout the month on clear nights. See how many you can spot!
